Merle Haggard Red Bandana lyrics

We left home when we were barely past eleven-teen
Been back and forth and all around through hell and rain
I've loved you half of your life and I'll keep on loving you
But I can't change in every way you want me too

We spend a lot of time out on the highway
Coming from some town we played along the way
After thirty years of knowing me the way you do
You know I can't change in every way you want me too

But babe that red bandana tied around your auburn hair
You look like you ought to be somebody's wife somewhere
Yeah, you're never gonna be no Bobby McGee but you're trying to
But I can't change in every way you want me too


Every time you leave the stage I know you've had your fill
And I wonder why you grew up and why I never will
Yeah, I'm forty-one today still going on twenty-two
But I can't change and live the way you want me too

That red bandana tied around your auburn hair
You look like you ought to be somebody's wife somewhere
Yeah you're never gonna be no bobby McGee but your trying to
Yeah, but I can't change in every way you want me too
No I can't change and live the way you want me too